Coronavirus (COVID-19): The Facts for you and your children

Myth:

Does Coronavirus exist in hot & humid countries?

Fact:

Unfortunately, from the evidence so far, the Coronavirus can be transmitted everywhere, including places with hot and humid weather. That’s why it’s important to follow WHO's 7 protective rules wherever you live.

Myth:

Does cold weather eliminate Coronavirus in adults and children?

Fact:

The human body, where the virus thrives has an average temperature around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. So cold weather does not eliminate the Coronavirus. To better protect your baby and yourself, visit the 7 rules from the WHO.

Myth:

Will giving my child a hot bath help prevent Coronavirus?

Fact:

Giving a hot bath to your little one will not prevent them from catching the virus. Their body temperature stays at 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of the bath or shower. Also be careful when giving a hot bath, because very hot water is harmful to your child. The best way to protect your little one and yourself is to follow the 7 rules from the WHO.

Myth:

Can Coronavirus be transmitted to children from mosquito bites?

Fact:

There has been no evidence to date to suggest that the Coronavirus can be transmitted by mosquitoes. The Coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To help protect your baby and yourself, visit the 7 rules from the WHO.

Myth:

Can thermal scanners detect infants & children infected with Coronavirus?

Fact:

Thermal scanners are useful for detecting whether a child has a fever (i.e. they have a temperature) possibly due to infection with the Coronavirus or due to other reasons. However, they cannot detect children who are infected but don’t have feverish symptoms. This is because children sometimes won’t show feverish symptoms at all, or because it takes between 2-10 days for people infected with the Coronavirus to develop into a fever with high temperatures.

Myth:

Fact:

There is no evidence that regularly rinsing with saline solution protects your little one from respiratory infections such as the Coronavirus. Yet, regularly rinsing their nose with saline solution can help them recover from a common cold.

Myth:

Does Coronavirus affect children & infants?

Fact:

People of all ages can be infected with the Coronavirus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill from the virus.

The WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, find out more here.

Myth:

Can I give my child Antibiotics to prevent & treat Coronavirus?

Fact:

Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment for a Coronavirus infection for you or your children. However, in the case of hospitalization, a patient may receive antibiotics because of bacterial co-infection.

Myth:

Are there any medications I can give my child that prevent or treat Coronavirus infection?

Fact:

Unfortunately to date there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the new Coronavirus. The WHO is currently working with institutions around the world to accelerate research and develop a vaccine and treatment as soon as possible. The best way to fight the virus is with our own antibodies.

Myth:

Can Pneumonia vaccines protect children against Coronavirus?

Fact:

Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the Coronavirus.

The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, and the WHO supports their efforts.

Although these vaccines are not effective against COVID-19, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect you and your little one’s health.

Myth:

Do hand dryers eliminate the Coronavirus?

Fact:

Hand dryers are completely ineffective at eliminating the Coronavirus. To help protect yourself and your child against the Coronavirus, you should follow the WHO’s 7 rules.

Myth:

Do ultraviolet disinfection lamps kill Coronavirus in children?

Fact:

UV lamps should not be used to sterilize your child’s hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.

Myth:

Fact:

It is very dangerous to spray alcohol or chlorine all over your child’s body as it can be harmful to the skin. Also, it won’t kill the viruses that have already entered the body. Be aware that while alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, they need to be used appropriately.

Myth:

Can my child eat garlic to help prevent Coronavirus infection?

Fact:

Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has ever protected people from the Coronavirus, adults and infants alike.

Myth:

Can my child catch Coronavirus from my dog/cat/pet?

Fact:

The current spread of Coronavirus is a result of human to human transmission and there is no evidence to date to suggest that pets play a significant role in spreading the disease.

However, because animals and people can sometimes share diseases (known as zoonotic diseases), it is still recommended that people who are sick with Coronavirus try to limit contact with their pets and other animals.

When handling and caring for animals, basic hygiene measures should always be implemented. This includes hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing, licking or sharing food.

Be careful and stay safe!

Stay informed and follow medical advice!

It’s very important for you to be aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the World Health Organization (WHO) website and through your national and local public health authority. Please check them on a regular basis. Always seek advice from trustworthy, reliable sources for you and your baby. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Contact a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.